Egypt Guarding Rafiah Border with 500 Riot Policemen

Egypt has sent almost 500 policemen in riot gear to protect the Rafiah border from several hundred chanting Hamas demonstrators, who are demanding that the barrier be opened. Hundreds of other policemen are on standby, but authorities said instructions have been given not to precipitate violence.

Israel has said it would agree to re-open if there is proper security supervision and if kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit is freed.